Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – TheCable
MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President
In a development that has stimulated both celebration and concern throughout Nigeria’s transportation sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely called MC Oluomo, has become the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.
The election, which occurred at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road in Osun State, marks a substantial turning point in the questionable figure’s profession trajectory while raising severe questions about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.
The Rise to Power
Delegates from 4 South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– participated in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.
The process was supervised by the acting National President of the union, Aliyu Issa-Ore, represented by Mrs. Adedamola Salam, Head of Finance from the National Headquarters in Abuja.
The election likewise resulted in the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.
In his acceptance speech, MC Oluomo required unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who offended me, and I want those I angered would forgive me too. This is our union, and we need to be devoted to its preservation. We will not allow anyone to damage our means of livelihood.”
A Controversial Past
Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the nationwide presidency comes with considerable baggage and debate.
Claims of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his period as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.
Most especially, during the 2023 basic elections, MC Oluomo got national attention for his controversial function in election-related violence and voter intimidation.
He was caught on video making threats against Igbo voters in Lagos State, alerting them to either elect the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later claimed the declaration was a joke made to a friend nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the occurrence led to prevalent condemnation and calls for his arrest.
The consequences of his dangers materialized in election day violence, where political thugs supposedly performed civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to identify Igbo voters, avoiding many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions led to the creation of a petition requiring international travel bans versus him, citing his function in inciting ethnic violence.
Opposition and Concerns
The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transport employees, has emphatically opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable management design and alleged use of union resources for personal gain as significant concerns.
The group mentioned, “MC Oluomo’s leadership design is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, neglecting members’ well-being.” They also raised issues about his capability to efficiently lead the national body, pointing to his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his questionable management style.
The NURTW’s Evolution
The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has developed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has actually become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, typically working as an essential grassroots mobilization tool for political leaders.
The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote areas, has actually made it an attractive partner for political actors looking for to develop control over local communities. This has actually led to transforming what was initially a transport workers’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.
Political Influence and Violence
MC Oluomo’s rise exhibits the complex relationship in between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As recorded in various reports, he has actually contributed in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.
His methods of operation have often been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his organization was accused of disrupting ballot systems and frightening citizens, especially those perceived to be opposition advocates.
Legal Challenges and Institutional Response
The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s leadership has resulted in numerous legal obstacles. Notable amongst these was a court order throughout the 2023 elections that avoided INEC from engaging his services to disperse election materials in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.
Future Implications
As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions remain about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
While his fans celebrate his capability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics fret about the prospective across the country growth of what they see as a hazardous fusion of transportation union power and political influence.
The visit also raises more comprehensive concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transport union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.
As the nation continues to come to grips with problems of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic consistency, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a subject of intense dispute and scrutiny.
This advancement works as a critical moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the impact of non-state stars in the nation’s political procedures.
As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be carefully enjoyed by fans and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transport sector and Nigeria’s more comprehensive political landscape.